​Hong Kong Customs detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 29). About 3.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine and about 2.5kg of suspected heroin, with a total estimated market value of about $6 million, were seized.
The first case involved a 21-year-old male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Abuja, Nigeria, via Frankfurt, Germany, yesterday. During customs clearance, about 3.5kg of suspected cocaine were found concealed inside a false compartment of his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
The second case involved two male passengers, aged 22 and 19, who arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. During customs clearance, about 2.5kg of suspected heroin were found in 18 boxes of cookies inside their carry-on bags. The duo were subsequently arrested.
Investigations of both cases are ongoing.
Following the resumption of normal travel and exchanges with the Mainland and other parts of the world, the number of visitors to Hong Kong has also been increasing steadily. Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Ends/Monday, October 30, 2023
